Originally manufactured in 1898 (Madis) as a deluxe Model 1894, it was subsequently masterfully custom embellished by Al Kontout, who is said to have learned under Winchester Master Engravers, and signed his work on the bottom of the receiver. The sides of the receiver feature beautiful floral scroll engraving and silver inlaid relief scenes of cougars hunting stags on each side. At some point the rifle was also returned to the factory to be refinished and fitted with a lightweight barrel, as evidenced by the "J.P.P." markings on the left of the upper tang and the bottom of the barrel for James P. Parker, Winchester's barrel specialist. The left side of the lower tang is marked "13555 XXX" and "13555" is repeated on the buttstock under the buttplate. The barrel has the two-line address, two-line nickel steel marking, and caliber marking, and is fitted with dovetailed beaded blade front and three-leaf express rear sights. The upper tang has the three-line model/trademark/patent date and is fitted with a peep sight. Mounted with a finely figured "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap, inlaid Winchester rider on the right, and crescent buttplate.

Very fine as masterfully embellished by Al Kontout, retaining 98% blue finish with some scattered light dings and scratches and the silver inlays showing an attractive antique patina. The refinished wood is also very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, mostly crisp checkering, and retaining almost all of the varnish. Mechanically excellent.